12 of 16 Chicago mayoral petition challengers face Monday hearing
The Chicago Board of Elections will review petitions for the 2027 consolidated election, with challenges filed against most mayoral contenders and eight City Council members.
By Aiko Sato ·
Twelve of the sixteen candidates running for Chicago mayor face petition challenges that the Chicago Board of Elections will hear on Monday. This includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson. The board will determine whether these candidates have enough valid signatures to remain on the ballot for the 2027 consolidated election.
Other mayoral candidates facing challenges include Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Representative Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. To qualify for the February ballot, a mayoral candidate must submit 12,500 valid signatures from registered voters. Election law restricts voters to signing only one petition.
Eight current members of the Chicago City Council also face challenges. The threshold for council candidates is lower, requiring 473 signatures, but several incumbents are still at risk. Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins is among those challenged. His only potential 2027 opponent, Richard Omoniyi-Shoyoola, also faces a challenge to his petition.
Similar situations are unfolding in the Fifth Ward, where Alderman Desmon Yancy and potential opponent Ryan Green law are both facing challenges. In the Sixth Ward, Alderman William Hall faces a challenge. Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale and his potential opponent Cecelia Harrison are also on the list. Aldermen Monique Scott, Emma Mitts, and Angela Clay represent the 24th, 37th, and 46th Wards, respectively, and face challenges as well.
The Seventh Ward may see multiple disqualifications. Alderman Gregory Mitchell faces multiple challenges to his nominating petitions. All five candidates attempting to run against him are also facing challenges. In the 16th, 17th, and 27th Wards, all potential opponents for Aldermen Stephanie Coleman, David Moore, and Walter Burnett, respectively, face challenges. Challenges were also filed against the two potential opponents of 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro and the two candidates challenging 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona.
Hearing officers will be assigned to each challenge. The board will decide in the coming weeks whether candidates remain on the ballot or are disqualified. The general election is set for February 23. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election will be held between the top two candidates on Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
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